The Maltese Bichon is a very prominent breed in all kinds of dog shows due to its elegant bearing. However, it is also an intelligent, docile, and affectionate pet that is ideal for living in small spaces such as apartments or studios due to its small size.
Dogs are part of the companion animals par excellence, being the favorites of both children and adults.
In this space, we will focus on one of the best-known and most appreciated dog breeds in the world: the Bichon. This generic name encompasses multiple variations, mostly because of its fur.it is usually a small dog, easy to train, and very playful, so it is not surprising that it is so popular.
Among the versions of the Bichon, the one that attracts the most attention is the Maltese, since it has several qualities that stand out both as a show dog and as a companion animal.
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The Bichon around the world
Before delving completely into the Maltese Bichon, it would be convenient to briefly know the characteristics of the other versions of the breed so that you can identify them more easily:
- Maltese Bichon
The Maltese Bichon in particular is one of the smallest and most popular versions of the breed, where its representatives do not usually exceed 3 kilograms in weight and have a soft and silky coat.
- Bichon Bolognese
The Bolognese owes its name to the city of Bologna, where it was an especially popular breed in the Renaissance era. As a descendant of the Maltese, many consider it the European Maltese Bichon. It is miniature in size, with a height that does not exceed 30 centimeters and 4 kilograms in weight.
- Havanese
This breed of dog is native to Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, it has been one of those that have undergone the most crosses to reach the characteristics that are known today. It has a woolly coat, usually of various shades between white, black and gray, which sometimes causes it to be named after the long-haired Maltese. His character, on the other hand, is very energetic and playful, but at the same time also quite protective.
The Maltese Bichon
The Maltese Bichons, being the breed that interests us, invites us to review their characteristics in detail as they are such a striking option as a companion animal. This breed, in turn, is divided into two types: the American and the European.
The American Maltese Bichon, also known as Toy Maltese Bichon, is characterized by being governed by the norms of the FCI standard, which is also applied in Europe, where it is indicated that this breed must have a weight of between 3 to 4 kilograms, for what its height will be proportional to about 30 centimeters approximately. Its fur is soft, smooth, and white, while its tail should fall on the back in a single curve.
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For its part, the European Maltese Bichon is quite similar to the American one, only that it has a longer snout and its weight is also greater. However, it is important to note that these “types” of Bichons are the same breed of dog, only that they meet the requirements of the respective foundations that catalog them. The same applies to the so-called Korean Maltese Bichon or Mini Maltese Bichon, which is distinguished by being smaller and lighter than its brothers in America and Europe.
Behavior and character of the Maltese Bichon
As we have been seeing, in the case of the Maltese Bichon, its temperament tends to be playful, docile, and energetic, so it coexists very well with children and other dogs. Also, if you are concerned about the care of its coat, you can choose a short-haired Maltese that makes the job easier.
However, it should also be borne in mind that he is distrustful, so he can react defensively against any stranger and outside the family circle that surrounds him. Herein lies part of the importance in his education, as being so smart he can quickly learn who to bark at and who not.
Maltese Bichon diet
When reviewing the dog food requirements in the case of the Maltese in particular, we find that it is a breed that has a fast metabolism to eat several times at a time. day. However, you must take care of the size of the portions to avoid being overweight.
Likewise, it is important to note that in the care of the Maltese Bichon its diet must be rich in elements with nutrients that are beneficial for its development and the treatment of one of its most striking physical qualities: its coat.
Caring for the Maltese Bichon
A Bichon Maltese puppy, like an adult Bichon Maltese, requires special attention to its coat, so constant brushing sessions are recommended to avoid the appearance of knots. At the same time, you should be very punctual with his visits to the groomer, cleaning his ears, and appointments with the vet.
On the other hand, when the figures for the Maltese Bichon were reviewed, it was indicated that their life expectancy reaches approximately 12 years as long as the animal has access to a healthy diet and constant exercise in a pleasant and stimulating environment.
